Just when I find I’m most giddy about settling once again into a solid routine, a virus invades our space, running rampit on my peeps while wrecking havoc in my home.
Now, I breathe thankfulness for the lovely things like sunshine, good report cards, an invitation to dinner. It’s easy. I {imperfectly} breathe thankfulness for the difficult things like a daughter’s surgery, the threat of deployment. It’s cathartic. But there there’s that expansive middle between easy and difficult, that exasperating area that tap, tap, taps on my shoulder driving. me. batty. Interrupting viruses, too-long appointments, unexpected meetings. The arms of that annoying middle reach far as they push out things like returning phone calls, grocery shopping, and good moods.
I’m learning to not just be thankful for the exasperating middle, but to treasure it. Crazy, right? But it’s true. This virus brings slow snuggle time, and in snuggle time I soak up my children as the treasures they are. But it’s also the reminder to quit clinging to my own timeline so rigidly. I’m a branch, not the vine, and releasing my tight grip on plans shows me how to relax and sway in the breeze while clinging to Christ.
When I see the purposeful importance in the exasperating, I treasure it. And inside my treasure is my heart. And when my heart is in it, I find contentment, too.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:21
I can TOTALLY relate!!! My kiddos were both sick not too long ago, I had a zillion things on my agenda that were getting pushed aside b/c well, they were sick and I had to sit and hold and stay up all night and on and on. But the best thing came from that…. realized how much I actually was enjoying the moments of snuggling with my precious littles. And the agenda. Well it was pushed to the side. And that was okay. I was content. I love your blog! You always encourage me 🙂
And you always encourage me, Beth! Love you!
Wonderful words as always Kristen. You provide encouragement even during the hard! Hoping that the virus leaves soon and everyone rests and get well. Blessings!
Thank you, Cindy. And me too!
I am feeling every word you write today. That distance between easy and difficult, as you write, is something. You leave me encouraged. Thanks! Blessings.
Alene, thank you for standing in the gap here today. You encourage me!
I can see your arm streached out as a branch, and your treasure snuggled safely in your love.
“I’m a branch, not the vine.” Love this reminder. Pure truth is what it is. I’ve been beaten down by the middle in recent weeks. You’re saying it’s possible to love it????
🙂
xo
Well FPFG, I’m learning to treasure it which *is* a kind of appreciating-love. 🙂
Beautiful and inspiring words. Thank you so much!
I was just stopping in to “check on” you after all that has been on your plate in recent months, and of course, as always, your words bless me more than I could even hope to bless you!! Such a precious soul you are!! Much love! xo
YOU are the precious one, Mandy. I love seeing your fingerprints all over the ‘net. Love you, friend!